Yoga Mat Cleaning Instructions
During manufacturing a slight haze or sheen may develop on the yoga mats, this may make the mats slippery when used.
We recommend that all new yoga mats be cleaned or wiped down with a damp towel before use, this will insure a better grip.
A more dense yoga mat or thicker yoga mat will always need to be cleaned before use.
NOTE:
Improper cleaning and drying and the use of today's newer yoga mat cleaners can and will allow mats to soften and deteriorate, shorting the life of the mat. The best practice is to clean when needed, but only lightly moisten the top of the mat with your mat cleaner, remove all cleaner and re-rinse with clean water and allow mat to dry un-rolled for at least 24 hours.
CLEANING YOUR YOGA MAT:
Vinegar is the best way to clean most yoga mats, a 3 part to 1 part ratio of water to vinegar will usually work the best, but always check with your mat supplier for their cleaning instructions. If you are not sure, the best practices is to do a small test ?on the bottom of a corner and see if there is any reaction, you may have to wait for up to 24 hours just to make sure.
To check if vinegar will work, try testing it on a corner first. Vinegar is an acid and may cause damage to your yoga mat, especially rubber yoga mats.
Using chemicals to clean you yoga mat is never a good idea, this could lead to deterioration or could cause your yoga mat to come apart during use.
To clean your yoga mat.
The best practice is to use a clean damp (water only or natural citrus oil based yoga mat cleaner) towel and using slight pressure, lightly clean from the top down, being sure to rinse the rag a few time during the cleaning process.
A cleaning spray bottle works the best and can quicken the process, spray the yoga mat down, just enough to lightly moisten the mat and wipe dry with a clean towel.
You should rinse your yoga mat with clean water to remove any soaps or residue left from first cleaning.
Always let your yoga mat dry completely before rolling back up. It may feel dry to the touch, but the center may still be wet. Letting your mat dry 24 hours is always a good idea.
Other options are yoga mat cleaners, just follow the directions on the labels and you should be fine, you can always use the corner of your yoga mat to test if the mat cleaner will hurt your yoga mat (s).
TRICKS TO USE:
If your yoga mats smells, try a little (a drop or two in a 16oz water bottle) bleach in your water, this will also disinfect your yoga mat, let the yoga mat dry and air it out for a day or two before using it. We always recommend testing a corner first!.
Mold can be cleaned off and removed using vinegar, clean the yoga mat with vinegar and then with clean water, once the mat dries the vinegar smell should be gone, best practice is to test the corner of the yoga mat first.
The Jute and natural rubber mats or any other types of yoga mats, should never be cleaned with harsh chemicals like dish soaps, the chemicals in dish soap damage and break down the rubber to the point that the mats will be useless in the future. This is because all mats are an open cell (tiny bubbles) which allows the chemicals to stay inside and continue to eat at the mats.
Jute mats should only be cleaned with water and or natural oil based yoga mat cleaners. Usually natural / Organic orange or citrus oil based cleaner will help to break up the fibers and rubber coating just enough to make them tackier.
Most yoga mats will be a little slippery when new, this is normal, as mats are used they become worn giving a better grip. Cleaning your mat should be done when you first remove it from the wrapping, and on a normal routine, but only with a yoga mat cleaner or mild soap making sure to remove all soap, as this will cause more slippage
Here is another good link on cleaning and caring for your mat: https://www.wellandgood.com/good-advice/how-to-really-clean-your-yoga-mat/
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